Sanket Koul, Shreya Nandi

Stories by Sanket Koul, Shreya Nandi

Despite import cuts, govt seeks smooth supply of laptops

Despite import cuts, govt seeks smooth supply of laptops

Rediff.com   25 Nov 2024

As the Union government explores ways to restrict import of laptops and other electronic devices starting with a 5 per cent reduction from the current level, it is working to ensure that there's no supply disruption in India even if an import cap is introduced, it is learnt. The caveat assumes significance in the context of the government's announcement of its plan in August 2023 to issue licences for import of select IT hardware products to reduce the country's dependence on China.

AQI Spike Triggers Health Crisis

AQI Spike Triggers Health Crisis

Rediff.com   20 Nov 2024

'Many of these patients arrive at emergency departments in distress, struggling to breathe and requiring immediate medical intervention.'

Trump 2.0: Govt In Wait-And-Watch Mood

Trump 2.0: Govt In Wait-And-Watch Mood

Rediff.com   8 Nov 2024

'We may see even more restrictive policies during 2.0.'

What's Driving Surge in Breast Cancer?

What's Driving Surge in Breast Cancer?

Rediff.com   1 Nov 2024

Late-stage diagnosis is a major issue, with over 75 per cent of cases being detected at advanced stages (50 per cent at Stage 3 and 25 per cent at Stage 4). This significantly reduces survival rates.

India's exports to 8 of top 10 mkts grow in H1

India's exports to 8 of top 10 mkts grow in H1

Rediff.com   30 Oct 2024

Exports to eight out of India's top 10 destinations, including the Netherlands, the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK), witnessed positive growth during the first six months of FY25, despite muted global demand amid geopolitical challenges, commerce department data showed.

UAE to address India concerns on imports

UAE to address India concerns on imports

Rediff.com   16 Oct 2024

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has agreed to look into India's concerns over compliance to rules related to the import of silver products, platinum alloy and dry dates, the commerce department said on Tuesday. During a joint committee meeting under the India-UAE trade deal, officials from New Delhi raised concerns over the recent surge in imports of these products. These were being shipped to India, taking advantage of the lower tariffs under the pact.

India cuts arbitration time for foreign investors in UAE pact

India cuts arbitration time for foreign investors in UAE pact

Rediff.com   8 Oct 2024

India has reduced the time period for foreign investors to seek international arbitration from five years to three years as part of the recently signed investment pact with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a departure from its model Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). Under the Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) mechanism, if the Indian judicial system is unable to resolve a dispute within this shortened period, investors can resort to international arbitration. The investment pact, signed on February 13 in Abu Dhabi, came into force on August 31, replacing the previous pact.

US tariffs risk Chinese goods flooding India

US tariffs risk Chinese goods flooding India

Rediff.com   4 Oct 2024

India stares at the risk of an influx of Chinese products as US tariffs on a range of Chinese goods, including solar panels, electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, syringes, and steel, are set to take effect from September 27. With higher tariffs reducing China's access to the US market, there is concern that China may divert its exports to other markets, including India, which could lead to potential dumping of goods. This situation could challenge Indian industries, particularly in sectors where competition with Chinese products is already fierce.

In export push, govt steps in to raise container capacity

In export push, govt steps in to raise container capacity

Rediff.com   27 Sep 2024

Concerned over the fallout of the Red Sea crisis and severe shortage of containers against the backdrop of a steep decline in merchandise exports in August, the Union government is pulling out all the stops to find a solution. To begin with, the government has devised a strategy aimed at boosting container supply and supporting exporters.

'PLI Has Been A Big Boost To Manufacturing'

'PLI Has Been A Big Boost To Manufacturing'

Rediff.com   26 Sep 2024

'We can hope to see a lot of creation of jobs in the days to come.'

Mpox Puts Health System On High Alert

Mpox Puts Health System On High Alert

Rediff.com   17 Aug 2024

Strict screening protocols are to be implemented for passengers arriving from central African countries affected by the outbreak.

India To Fast-Track Visas For Chinese Nationals

India To Fast-Track Visas For Chinese Nationals

Rediff.com   8 Aug 2024

The new guidelines, effective from August 1, aim to expedite visa approvals for nationals from China and other countries sharing land borders with India.

No rethinking on support for Chinese for investments in India: Piyush Goyal

No rethinking on support for Chinese for investments in India: Piyush Goyal

Rediff.com   31 Jul 2024

India is not "rethinking" supporting investments from China, said Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday, referring to a proposal made in the Economic Survey 2024. The survey by India's chief economic advisor last week said India had two "choices" to benefit from the so-called China plus one strategy, either by integrating into that country's supply chain or by promoting foreign direct investment (FDI). "Chief economic advisor's report speaks about new ideas and gives out their own thinking. It is not at all binding on the government and there is no rethinking to support Chinese investments in the country," Goyal told reporters in Delhi.

Mankind Pharma to lead in Indian women's health market after BSV deal

Mankind Pharma to lead in Indian women's health market after BSV deal

Rediff.com   29 Jul 2024

New Delhi-based pharmaceutical major Mankind Pharma is poised to take pole position in women's health portfolio in the India Pharma Market (IPM) after completing the Rs 13,630 crore deal to acquire Bharat Serums and Vaccines (BSV), senior company officials said. The deal potentially opens doors for Mankind Pharma to the overseas markets, which currently draws 92 per cent of its revenues from India. The combined entity will draw around 13 per cent revenues from the international market, with the remaining coming from the domestic market.

Now, Karnataka Wants To Scrap NEET

Now, Karnataka Wants To Scrap NEET

Rediff.com   26 Jul 2024

Karnataka has the highest number of medical seats in the country at 11,745, of which 3,750 seats were in government institutions and 7,995 seats were in private colleges.

India flagged concerns with Russia over non-tariff barriers: Commerce secy

India flagged concerns with Russia over non-tariff barriers: Commerce secy

Rediff.com   16 Jul 2024

India has flagged concerns over non-tariff barriers (NTBs) faced by its exporters with the Russian government, commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal said on Monday. NTBs faced by Indian exporters are mainly in sectors such as marine products and pharmaceuticals.

How Modi plans to tackle spiralling trade deficit with Russia

How Modi plans to tackle spiralling trade deficit with Russia

Rediff.com   8 Jul 2024

India's trade deficit with Russia continued to widen for the second consecutive year to $57 billion in the financial year 2023-24 (FY24), with Moscow becoming New Delhi's largest source of crude oil imports. All eyes will now be on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia during July 8-9, where he is set to meet President Vladimir Putin. This will be Modi's first visit to the Kremlin since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began over two years ago.

ONDC likely to start levying small user charges on each transaction

ONDC likely to start levying small user charges on each transaction

Rediff.com   2 Jul 2024

The government-backed Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is likely to start levying user charges in the current financial year.

Not just China, all PLI-led visas being fast-tracked: Piyush Goyal

Not just China, all PLI-led visas being fast-tracked: Piyush Goyal

Rediff.com   1 Jul 2024

The government is expediting visa-related issues to bring technicians to India from any country, not just China, as and when required, to ensure the smooth implementation of the flagship production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing. "If those under the PLI scheme need to get their equipment installed, we try to expedite the ability to get technicians into India from any country, whichever it may be," Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal told Business Standard in an interview.

Even MBAs Find It Tough To Get Jobs

Even MBAs Find It Tough To Get Jobs

Rediff.com   1 Jul 2024

'Corporations that were recruiting 15 or 20 [students] have reduced the number to two or three.'